Miami (29-38) at New York (42-24)
- When: Mar 17 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY, USA
- TV: ESPN
New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat: Betting Preview and Prediction
New York (-7.5) | Total: 210.5
New York Knicks: Can They Find Offense Without Brunson?
The Knicks are back home after a tough West Coast trip, where they went 2-3 and struggled offensively without star guard Jalen Brunson. Without their floor general, New York’s scoring output has dipped significantly, averaging just 109 points per game over the last four contests—well below their season average of 116.7 PPG.
The biggest concern for the Knicks is how to generate offense in Brunson’s absence. Josh Hart, normally a key contributor, played 38 minutes without scoring a single point in their latest loss to the Warriors. Julius Randle and RJ Barrett have taken on a bigger scoring role, but New York has failed to crack 100 points in two of their last four games, including a season-low 94 points in their last matchup.
Defensively, the Knicks remain solid, ranking in the top five in defensive efficiency. That defensive presence will be crucial as they face a Miami squad that has been struggling mightily to put points on the board.
Miami Heat: In a Freefall Since Trading Butler
The Heat are in complete disarray, dropping seven straight games and falling from sixth to ninth in the East since trading Jimmy Butler to Golden State on February 6. Their 4-14 record since the deal has sent them spiraling toward a potential losing season for the first time since 2018-19.
Miami’s offense has been dreadful, managing just 91 points in their latest loss to a Memphis team missing Ja Morant. Over the last seven games, the Heat have failed to reach 100 points four times, including back-to-back games against the Celtics and Grizzlies where they never held a lead for more than a few minutes.
While Tyler Herro has stepped up, averaging 23.6 points and 5.7 assists per game, Miami’s supporting cast has been unreliable. Their once-respected defense is faltering, giving up 119+ points in five of their last seven games.
Betting Prediction: Knicks Dominate at Home
New York might be struggling to score, but Miami has been even worse. The Knicks’ defense should cause major problems for the Heat’s stagnant offense, especially in a hostile Madison Square Garden environment.
With Miami losing seven straight and failing to compete in most of those games, expect the Knicks to take advantage of their home-court edge.
Final Score Prediction: Knicks 108, Heat 96
Best Bet: Knicks -7.5
Lean: Under 210.5
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
